Proverbs 6:1-21 ▼

1 My son, if you have become surety (guaranteed a debt or obligation) for your neighbor, If you have given your pledge for [the debt of] a stranger or another [outside your family],

2 If you have been snared with the words of your lips, If you have been trapped by the speech of your mouth,

3 Do this now, my son, and release yourself [from the obligation]; Since you have come into the hand of your neighbor, Go humble yourself, and plead with your neighbor [to pay his debt and release you].

4 Give no [unnecessary] sleep to your eyes, Nor slumber to your eyelids;

5 Tear yourself away like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter And like a bird from the hand of the fowler.

6 Go to the ant, O lazy one; Observe her ways and be wise,

7 Which, having no chief, Overseer or ruler,

8 She prepares her food in the summer And brings in her provisions [of food for the winter] in the harvest.

9 How long will you lie down, O lazy one? When will you arise from your sleep [and learn self-discipline]?

10 “Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to lie down and rest”—

11 So your poverty will come like an approaching prowler who walks [slowly, but surely] And your need [will come] like an armed man [making you helpless].

12 A worthless person, a wicked man, Is one who walks with a perverse (corrupt, vulgar) mouth.

13 Who winks with his eyes [in mockery], who shuffles his feet [to signal], Who points with his fingers [to give subversive instruction];

14 Who perversely in his heart plots trouble and evil continually; Who spreads discord and strife.

15 Therefore [the crushing weight of] his disaster will come suddenly upon him; Instantly he will be broken, and there will be no healing or remedy [because he has no heart for God].

16 These six things the LORD hates; Indeed, seven are repulsive to Him:

17 A proud look [the attitude that makes one overestimate oneself and discount others], a lying tongue, And hands that shed innocent blood,

18 A heart that creates wicked plans, Feet that run swiftly to evil,

19 A false witness who breathes out lies [even half-truths], And one who spreads discord (rumors) among brothers.

20 My son, be guided by your father’s [God-given] commandment (instruction) And do not reject the teaching of your mother;

21 Bind them continually upon your heart (in your thoughts), And tie them around your neck.